Tomoki Mishina with blue tang fish (Paracanthurus hepatus) at the National Marine Science Centre.
Motivated international students seeking quality degrees, great facilities and access to world-leading academics can apply for a new $60,000* Southern Cross University scholarship.
Aimed at high-achieving international students who are ready for a treechange or seachange, the new scholarship is for engineering and science courses at the University's Lismore or Coffs Harbour campuses from Session 2 2020.
"Southern Cross University is home for the best talent. The proof is in the calibre of alumni, students and staff. Right now we are investing in talent like never before," said Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Tyrone Carlin.
"You are a name, not a number, here at Southern Cross, one of Australia's most vibrant regional universities with small class sizes, access to world-class facilities, the best student support and unique natural environments for field trips within easy reach of the campus."
The University's Lismore campus is in a subtropical rainforest setting, just a 45-minute drive to Byron Bay, the Cape Byron Marine Park and World Heritage national parks. The Coffs Harbour campus is adjacent to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, beaches and hinterland.
"We invite international students currently residing in Australia to come and join our talent pool in some of the most amazing and enviable places in the country to live and study. If you are a high achiever, we are ready to invest in you and make you part of our community," Professor Carlin said.
Japanese undergraduate student Tomoki (Tom) Mishina is already excelling academically. He co-authored his first scientific paper, after assisting on a research project into sustainable practices for Indonesian islanders to grow aquarium fish.
"When I was applying for university, thinking about my life, I thought I could be a fish farmer," said Tom, a second year Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, at the University's National Marine Science Centre at Coffs Harbour.
"But then I could not have impact, so research is a path to having an impact. The marine existence is already on the verge of collapse so we need to take care."
Professor Symon Dworjanyn who oversaw the research project was full of praise for his student: "Tomoki is delightful, so dedicated and hardworking. He is someone who is going to make things happen. He will change the world."
Charmaine Miciano, from the Philippines, is studying the Master of Forest Science and Management at the Lismore campus. She hopes to secure a job working in subtropical forestry here in Australia.
"I'm keen to learn new approaches, techniques and practices from Australian foresters to share with fellow foresters in my country," Charmaine said.
"The University's course units are exciting, with lessons about new developments in forestry and the scope is not only Australia but forestry in other countries too. During field trips to national parks, state forests and private farms, I've seen a lot of tree species, forest types and met local Northern Rivers' growers.
"The lecturers and unit assessors are approachable. I have felt the University's overwhelming support for international students, with the academic skills team and open access to scientific journals through the library.
"To sum it up, studying at Southern Cross University is a wonderful learning experience."
Scholarship details
The Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarship, worth $60,000, is for international students embarking on undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering, environmental science, marine science and forest science in Session 2 2020.
Applications close 26 June 2020.
